Author's Corner Trendsetters

What would it take for you to pursue your dreams? Who would you look to for inspiration?

Many of us would say, “I’ve watched my parents, so I wanted to be like them.” Or, “My mother was my inspiration; she taught me to be the best I can be.” But, how does a child who has never experienced a nurturing parent’s love…nor even knew who their parent was because they were adopted, or given away to be raised in the system, respond? They rely on hope. An internal instinct that only a higher Authority can provide, that makes them determined to go beyond the realm of adversity, and makes them aware they have a voice and place in this world. Suspense thriller Author, Melissa M. Johnson, not only understands this…she has LIVED it! Join me as she opened up to share some intense realities that are sure to give you a new perspective on life and overcoming pain; so that you can walk in your purpose.

T2T: What was it like growing up and what difficulties did you face? Where did you turn for strength?

Melissa: It was not easy growing up, but then again, is it ever? I was taken away from my family and became a ward of the state. This caused me to transition from home to home. Many times my experiences weren’t pleasant and sometimes I did meet those who genuinely cared and wanted to see me do well. I remember once at the dinner table I said to my friend, “I wish that I met someone who can understand what I am going through.” There were instances that I wanted God to prove Himself to me. Was I wrong for that? No…we question God because for understanding of the “whys” and in the end, it helps us to get to know Him, because what He “proves” is…His love. That’s where I draw my strength, from His love for me.

T2T: Describe a turning point in your life. How did it change your life for the better?

Melissa: Times were tough growing up. I didn’t know who I was and I found myself taking things for granted. But through God’s grace, I have grown into an amazing person. I mean, I didn’t know God when I was growing up, but several instances have prepared me for my journey. I had a life-threatening accident in 2008 that changed my life. In 2014, I wrote a letter to God asking Him to help me find my family and in 2015, my older brother contacted me and I was reunited with my siblings and birth mother. Both of these instances changed my life because I realized that God’s presence within my life was greater than I’d realized. I went back to school after the accident, got my degree, wrote two novels, and learned what happened to me--HAD to. Through my pain and losses, I never allowed a bad situation to eat me alive. I am grateful for my support along the way during each of those turning points.

T2T: What inspired you down the path you are on? What is your drive to continue?

Melissa: I have goals that are forever changing depending on the path “God” is leading me down. I didn’t always understand that reasoning, but the fact that I am currently a head chef at a wonderful pub, proves that He sets my journey and not me. During each endeavor, I have met some amazing people and had an opportunity to make an impact in the lives of others. So people are my drive…like my daughter, Kenzie, who inspires me to want to be a better person and loves me without reservation. When I look into her eyes and see the love she has for me…I want that for everyone. I have helped people less fortunate because I know what that feels like. I speak at charitable events to share my story and even donate when I can to them, because God has been so good to me and I want to pay it forward.

T2T: Where did the idea of The Tree House stem from?

Melissa: After my accident, I decided to go back to school. I met a professor who inspired me to write. To this day, I believe that if the accident hadn’t happened, I wouldn’t be who I am: an author, recipient of a bachelor’s degree, and even…a head chef. I was researching a local murder and decided to write a book that would share that story in a way that exposed warning signs and hopefully encourage others to avoid this type of tragedy. The Tree House Series is a suspense thriller about a man who should have received help, but his mental instability was overlooked…until it was too late.